If you’ve ever wondered who’s responsible for safely putting patients under anesthesia during surgery, the answer is often a CRNA, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. These advanced practice nurses play a critical role in healthcare, ensuring patient safety, comfort, and proper anesthesia management.
Interest in CRNA careers has grown steadily. A recent report shows that the demand for nurse anesthetists is expected to rise by 35% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for other healthcare jobs. This reflects not only an increasing need for anesthesia providers but also the growing recognition of CRNAs as essential professionals in hospitals, surgical centers, and rural healthcare settings.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a CRNA is, what they do, and then walk you through 10 detailed steps to become a CRNA, from starting your nursing education to launching your career.
What Is a CRNA?
A CRNA, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, is a highly trained nurse who specializes in delivering safe and effective anesthesia care. Unlike general nurses, CRNAs undergo specialized graduate-level training in anesthesia, physiology, pharmacology, and patient monitoring.
Many people also wonder how long does it take to become a CRNA. On average, the process takes 7 to 10 years, including completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, gaining critical care experience, completing a doctoral-level nurse anesthesia program, and obtaining certification.
CRNAs are trained to give general, regional, or local anesthesia, keep a close eye on patients’ vital signs during procedures, and handle any complications that arise. Depending on state rules, they may work independently or alongside an anesthesiologist.
In short, CRNAs are the professionals who make surgery safe and pain-free while keeping patients stable throughout the process.
What Does a CRNA Do?
A CRNA, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, performs care that spans preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative stages, handling anesthesia administration, patient monitoring, and recovery management, this is exactly what a nurse anesthetist does.
Preoperative Assessment
CRNAs review patients’ medical histories, medications, allergies, and lab results to get a complete picture before anesthesia. They design anesthesia plans tailored to each patient, considering their health and the type of procedure.
Administering Anesthesia
CRNAs induce and maintain anesthesia during surgeries. They monitor vital signs continuously, adjust medication doses as needed, and manage airway and breathing support.
Postoperative Care
After surgery, CRNAs oversee patients as anesthesia wears off. They oversee pain management, track patients’ recovery, and handle issues like nausea or breathing problems.
CRNAs may also work in ICUs, pain management clinics, and trauma units, extending their expertise beyond the operating room. Their ability to respond quickly to emergencies makes them a critical part of the healthcare team.
10 Steps to Becoming a CRNA
Pursuing a career as a CRNA takes commitment, specialized training, and plenty of hands-on experience, but the rewards make it worthwhile. The following 10 steps to becoming a CRNA will guide you through the process, from starting your nursing education to launching your career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The journey to becoming a CRNA begins with earning a BSN, usually a four-year program that teaches core nursing skills, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care fundamentals. A BSN not only provides the knowledge you’ll need as an RN but also forms the foundation for graduate-level nurse anesthesia education.
There are accelerated programs available for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. These programs usually take 12–18 months and allow you to enter the nursing workforce faster, but they are intensive and require strong time management skills.
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN and Obtain Licensure
Once you’ve earned your BSN, the next step is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to gain your license as a registered nurse (RN). This exam tests your understanding of nursing principles, patient care, and safety standards.
Obtaining RN licensure allows you to gain hands-on experience in clinical settings and is a prerequisite for critical care work. Your performance as an RN will be a key factor when applying to competitive CRNA programs.
Step 3: Gain Critical Care Experience
CRNA programs require candidates to have substantial critical care experience, usually in an ICU, trauma, or acute care unit. Typically, CRNA programs require one to three years of full-time critical care experience.
Working in critical care allows you to become comfortable with ventilators, life support systems, and high-pressure decision-making. You’ll also develop familiarity with complex patient cases, which is crucial when managing anesthesia during surgery. The wider the range of your experience, the more ready you’ll be to handle the demands of CRNA training.
Step 4: Research Accredited CRNA Programs
Not all CRNA programs are the same. Before applying, research programs carefully. Look for:
- Doctoral-level programs (DNP or DNAP)
- Strong clinical rotation opportunities
- High pass rates for the national certification exam
- Access to mentorship and support networks
Choosing a program that fits your career goals and learning style can make a significant difference in your success as a future CRNA.
Step 5: Prepare and Apply to CRNA Programs
Applications typically require:
- A strong undergraduate GPA (often 3.0 or higher)
- Letters of recommendation, ideally from supervisors in critical care settings
- Documentation of clinical experience
- Current certifications like BLS (Basic Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
Your application should highlight not just your experience but your problem-solving skills, leadership in clinical settings, and dedication to patient safety.
Step 6: Complete a Doctoral Nurse Anesthesia Program
CRNA programs are now doctoral-level and typically last three years. The program combines in-class learning with practical, hands-on clinical experience.
In the classroom, you’ll study:
- Advanced anesthesia pharmacology
- Physiology and pathophysiology
- Pain management and patient assessment
In clinical rotations, you’ll practice administering anesthesia under supervision across a variety of surgeries and patient populations. By the end of the program, you’ll have thousands of clinical hours and the confidence to handle complex anesthesia cases independently.
Step 7: Pass the National Certification Exam (NCE)
Graduating from a CRNA program isn’t the final step. Passing the National Certification Exam (NCE) from the NBCRNA is required, testing your skills to safely and effectively deliver anesthesia in real clinical situations.
Preparation for the NCE typically includes review courses, practice exams, and hands-on clinical simulations. Passing the exam grants you the official CRNA credential and allows you to legally practice as a nurse anesthetist.
Step 8: Obtain State Licensure
Once certified, you’ll need to secure licensure in your state to legally practice as a CRNA. Each state has its own rules about CRNA practice, including whether you can work independently or need supervision by an anesthesiologist.
Check your state board of nursing for specific requirements. Licensure ensures you are legally recognized and authorized to provide anesthesia care in your state.
Step 9: Maintain Certification and Continuing Education
CRNAs must keep their certification current through continuing education, which helps them stay updated on the newest anesthesia methods, safety standards, and healthcare regulations.
Continuing education can include:
- Professional workshops and seminars
- Advanced clinical training
- Certification in specialized anesthesia techniques
Maintaining certification is crucial not only for legal compliance but also to remain competent and competitive in the field.
Step 10: Launch Your Career
Once licensed and certified, the career opportunities for CRNAs are wide-ranging. You can work in:
- Hospitals and surgical centers
- Ambulatory surgery centers
- Pain management clinics
- Rural healthcare facilities
- Military or government healthcare systems
Many CRNAs also move into leadership roles, academic positions, or research in anesthesia care. With the high demand for CRNAs, job security and earning potential are excellent.
Making a Difference as a CRNA
Choosing to become a CRNA goes beyond following a career path, it’s about committing to a role that blends precision, responsibility, and real impact on people’s lives. Beyond the years of schooling and clinical experience, it’s the ability to make quick, confident decisions in high-pressure situations that sets CRNAs apart. For those willing to invest the time and effort, this career offers not only job stability and growth but the rare satisfaction of knowing your work literally keeps patients safe and comfortable when they need it most.